We hate to see problems with any game, but it's especially painful when that game is one of the best of the generation .
We're starting to hear reports that the PlayStation 3 version of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has a major problem after about the 40-hour mark. When the save file gets too large and the PS3 cache gets too big, the game really starts to lag big time. Apparently, this includes major texture drop-off and entire pieces of the environment disappearing from view.
As an example of the problem, check the comments at Amazon.com , where the concerns are clear. At the top is a long post explaining how to bypass the problem; it basically involves taking a break after playing for 2-3 hours and turning off the auto-save function. Now, for the record, I remind everyone that I had the Xbox 360 version for review so if that 9.7 for the PS3 version causes problems, I apologize.
That being said, even if I did have the PS3 version, the score probably would've been the same, as I wouldn't have played long enough to encounter these issues with the save file size. The problem is that some people are just saying, "oh, just save and reboot, no big deal." However, we don't believe we should have to do this with any finished game. Hopefully, this is something Bethesda will address very soon, because no game should have to suffer this sort of severe issue.
Related Game(s): The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
I'm encountering the problem, although its completely freezing the system up to were I have to restart my PS3 manually. Waiting for a patch.
Good thing I have SR3 and KOFXIII To keep me busy right now.
As I've said previously, I had (apparently) the same problem with Heavy Rain and was never able to get to any version of the last scene, because it would lock up the PS3.
The worst part with HR was that the locked save made trying to avoid the crashes by carefully controlling the saves a giant PITA.
Hopefully, Bethesda will patch this glitch soon so that everyone will be able to finish the game.
Last edited by Fane1024 on 11/25/2011 1:45:47 AM
@Fane1024
So sad to hear about your Heavy Rain glitch, I'm currently in my second run of this awesome game and I have no problems at all.
I have 96 hours of play and I just started getting some lag. I created multiple save files to keep them smaller as someone suggested. I'm turning off the auto save after reading this article. Thanks.
Damn sorry to hear that. According to their forums a patch is coming out for the consoles next week, but they don't clarify what it does…
And I'm just over 56hrs and it gets pretty laggy after about 3-4hrs of play but a restart fixes the problem.
I also hear the more skills you train the more inplayable it becomes, so for this character I'll be sticking with just the select skills I've been training. I just hope a patch comes out before I double my play time and start lagging every session
I think I remeber them having the same exact problem in fallout 3 that needed a patch. Or at least I remeber them having an almost similar problem.
Does anyone else know what I'm talking about.
It is kind of broken. I started getting lag at around the 42 hr mark. By time I got to 50 someting hrs I was having trouble even implementing the save and reboot strategy becuase it would just freeze up for minutes at a time. It's especially bad around towns. Ofcourse I did not know about this issue and only had 1 or 2 save files to work worth so I guess I'm limmited to 1 hr play sessions with the game until it gets patched. I thought it was my hard drive or something.
I read on the Bethesda forums that Bethesdsa refused to send out the PS3 version for review. That's explains why Ben was sent the 360 version instead. It also makes it look like Bethesda may have known about these issues. Unbelievable that even 5yrs into PS3's life cycle we still have to put up with this kind of stuff.
looks up EddPm6 comment
Yes, it is eerily similar to the way Fallout 3 would behave at times. I know exactly what you are talking about. Skyim kind of jumps around on you and freezes on you in a way that reminds me of the issues Fallout 3 had in the PS3 version. Fallout 3 had some serious issues on the PS3. Broken Steel was unplayable at times. Yes, I know what you mean.
Last edited by Excelsior1 on 11/24/2011 10:21:46 PM
And I'm not surprised… hmm I'm happy since 2 days ago Dark Souls got patched and the only considerable problem got fixed.. the target system now is great!, with this the game becomes a goty fo me, hope Skyrim Ps3 owners get their patch soon.
Last edited by Oxvial on 11/24/2011 10:14:25 PM
Was going to buy this on BF but I think I'll wait a bit now. Think I'll pick up WKC2 instead.
Last edited by cLoudou on 11/24/2011 10:22:31 PM
300+ hours on WKC2, and no issues….
Just sayin'…
😉
Oh, and while I remember, WKC2 got an update last week that included the guild functionality, same bug fixes and performance improvements, a skill balancing patch, and new quests and items. Nice improvements to a great game. Level5 comes in for lots of unfair criticism. They continue to support the game a year after it's original release in Japan. Pretty good going if you ask me.
Last edited by TheHighlander on 11/25/2011 8:49:25 AM
I'm at 78 hrs and have only had two freezes. This was after extended play mind you. Guess I'm just lucky that there aren't other problems at this point. I was very indecisive about which console version 2 get, but I stuck w ps3. Don't let me down Bethesda. Happy Thanksgiving all!
Its unfortunate that it has come to this but there are 2 game developers that I will never buy games from, Bethesda and bio-ware, every copy of every game I have ever had the misfortune of picking up from these companies have been plagued with issues.
This is not just on the ps3 either, I have exhibited similar issues for both systems, lets get it straight, the companies do make outstanding, innovative and fully immersible games, but if I'm about to shell out $80 for a game the least the company can do is more QA than the bear minimum to get the game out the door.
Its because of the poor track record of these companies that I have decided to pass on all future titles as a point of principle…
I'm sorry but Bioware delivered a flawless, optimized port of Mass Effect 2 to the PS3. When you have such a large amount of content in a game it is impossible to have zero glitches in it. It would be crime to deprive yourself of such fantastic titles.
@Spineshank
oh I did play mass effect 2, great story but it would lag horribly and freeze, glitched my insane run causing me to lose out on the trophy, I have played all of there games(Bethesda and bio-ware) with the exception of skyrim, Sorry if I was not clearer in my post.
I will probably play the games from these companies again, but it will be in the form of rentals so that the companies get fractions of my dollars.
As far as content goes, your right it has a lot, but so has many other games before its time, and before consoles were connected the developers did not have the luxury of patches to fix bugs, games like ff7, MGS series, I think its that some developers are just becoming more relaxed, and taking the "we'll fix it later" approach.
Just disheartening.
Spineshank-
ME2 was far from a flawless port. I love the game, I can't wait for 3. But it had issues. In fact most any Missions you were on that involved flying that little ship around, the textures were terrible and you could literally see every polygon, it was almost like it never rendered. Its ugly at times. Don't get me started on the load times, especially since I installed the game. Ridiculous. There was some issues with the frame rate as well. But alas I loved the game.
I also dont agree that it has a lot of content, Bethesda games have lots of content, ME2, was almost linear. The only thing largely deep about ME2 was the conversations, and the almost meaningless upgrades. Besides the conversations every mission had one way in and one way out.
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 11/25/2011 8:57:28 AM
The only problem I had with ME2 was the load times so I agree with spinefish. It was not flawless, but the PS3 version performed well when measured against its 360 counterpart. Some think the PS3 version even looked a little better. It sure did not have any game killing bugs that were similar to Skyrim.
@Bigrailer
I had the same issues. It definitely wasn't flawless by any means, audio sometimes would lag behind what was actually going on, texture pop in and out, and the worst part is what Bigrailer said about the level where you drive the hammerhead in an open plain, horrible textures, but I did enjoy it though even with it's issues.
Excel-
Your relentless man. If something doesn't please you, you just dont stop. Regardless I dont know how you missed any of that stuff in ME2 I had mentioned. And as Clam, said the audio wasn't always on par either. Towards the end of the game for me the characters would stop talking midway through a sentence… Thank goodness for subtitles!
As far as Skyrim goes it seems it's about 50/50 for those it's happened too. Luckily for me I save every time I go through a door and have multiple save files so none of my files are ever over 3000kb. If that saves me the frustration you fellas are having then it's obviously not game breaking. Sorry man I feel like your over exaggerating a bit because of your love for ME2. Trust me you don't have to put down Skyrim to prove how much you like ME2. I know, I know…
I am sorry this seems to be a frustration for you though.
Clam-
It's weird how I can experience such things in a game and still enjoy them. I do fault Bioware and the game for having these issues but the game was still largely enjoyable, I would expect the same response towards Skyrim. But your right about ME2, and I'm glad you seen the same issues I did, it helps validate the point! 😉 my biggest concern was flying the ship, I seriously just drove around looking at how terrible it was…
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 11/25/2011 2:27:35 PM
@Bigrailer Haha, that's exactly what I did honestly, but the weird part is the ship would actually get sucked into the rocks somehow… then I would shoot back out of it, it was weird.
Oblivion worked fine no issues for me when I played it, nothing major anyway small spikes of lag in some areas but wen't away. I doubt It's that bad in Skyrim as some are saying though. I can't wait to get Skyrim! 😀 (I'm also rebuying WKC2, for christmas to play with Highlander and Underdog, joining the guild Highlander made. :D)
Clam-
Yea I had very little issues with Oblivion as well. The biggest was the vampire glitch. I shoulda stuck with my Redguard! 😉
Anyways Skyrim has been good for me so far. Again I have multiple main saves I use though, it's very little trouble, if any at all. If this is a step that should be taken I don't think it's that big of a deal. This is how I play my RPG's or any game with choices anyways. That way if I don't like the outcome I just reload a different Save.
My buddy and I planned on getting WKC2, he got it, I didn't. I just have too many games to finish. I bought Uncharted 3, BF3, MW3 and Skyrim all within a month. Crazy! So I knew when WKC2 released I'd have to pass on it because of these 4 games. I'm happy with that decision all 4 games have gotten plenty of attention, and all been very good overall.
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 11/25/2011 9:39:41 PM
Wtf to this. Ill be livid if this happens. Hopefully a patch will come soon.
Until then, how do I turn off the autosave feature for skyrim?
Ive never had to do that before, and I already have the save when rested, waiting, and fast traveling turned off.
Still though, this games amazing
I'm at about 35 hours and I've definitely noticed some issues, but only 1 game stopping freeze.
On a side note: Happy Thanksgiving from Canada, unfortunately having a father who was born in the US is not a good enough reason to celebrate American thanksgiving and take 2 days off…oh well I tried.
LOL same with the fallout series. OMG bethesda. they didn't fix the problem from the other games they made.
Looks like i'll be skipping out on this one.
How hard is it to prevent a save file from overflowing? Really, that's pretty basic stuff.
Mr. Highlander,
was that directed to me or just a general comment?
I am just wondering that's all.
It was directed generally and specifically at Bethesda.
I was agreeing with you and kind of saying that I agree, and then asking the open question of Bethesda about overflowing game saves, while at the same time inferring that Bethesda are chumps because they can't write something so basic to work properly.
I'll get this for my PC eventually. After the tragedy of fallout 3 goty for my ps3 which has a game save of over 15 mb. Point Lookout is a piece of shit, as it doesn't work at all it'll freeze 5 mins into walking. LOL
I have new vegas as well for ps3 but it tends to do a tact bit better then fallout 3 but i haven't reached the 40 hour benchmark yet on that.
I have oblivion as well but i have barely touched that game.
I won't be getting bethesda games for the ps3 anymore. They are meant to be played on pc or xbox 360, since less freezing happens.
Last edited by thj_1980 on 11/25/2011 7:11:39 PM
Why can't those lazy Xbox fanboys at Bethesda do anything right? I think the Executive Producer of Skyrim is more interested in looking than Lyle Lovett than squashing the bugs in his overrated WRPGSs.
Good thing I refuse to support a lazy company like Bethesda.
Isn't this just how you play any game made by Bethesda? They've always written great stories and made entertaining games, but releasing a finished product has never really been on their to do list…I haven't had time to play many games lately but this is on my list. It may just wait until the Game of the year edition comes out instead though
Last edited by CH1N00K on 11/24/2011 10:58:46 PM
Even their GOTY ED have problems ~_~ , buying a game from them on Ps3 is a gamble.
Last edited by Oxvial on 11/24/2011 11:10:01 PM
Exactly. It is a gamble to pick up a Bethesda game on the PS3. Even after all the patches Fallout 3 GOTY still has serious issues. That game has the potential to freeze up on you at any point with no warning. The DLC was horrible in particular. So buckle up PS3 owners…we are probably about to get taken for a rough ride in Skyrim's DLC as well.
It's a shame too becuase Bethesda makes some great games from a design standpoint. I am getting a little sick of them treating PS3 owners like we are 2 second class citizens. They really should get called out on this more. Bethesda's refusal to send out PS3 review copies is damning in particular. Sounds like they were trying to shape the review scores by only sending out the 360 version for review. It looks like it worked becuase Ben only reviewed the 360 version they sent him. He might not have rated the PS3 version as highly.
Excellent point, Excelsior. And based on this article, I dare-say Ben might agree with you.
I'm glad I don't play their games.
I do, but if this becomes an issue I won't any longer.
Looks like I'll be taking my copy back since it's not opened yet. I'd rather open a game that works than be stuck waiting for a patch to fix this.
nothing new with bethesda, can't believe people are even surprised. i've been playing their titles since morrowind, and this happened with:
morrowind
oblivion
fallout
fallout new vegas (not tech. bethesda, but same engine same game)
and now skyrim
not exactly the same problem every time, no, but glitching none the less. just try to remember this for the future: if you buy a bethesda game within 12 months of release, you are a frustrated beta tester.
if you wait a year, you can get the same game used, patched and with all the dlc in a game of the year package for about 10 dollars.
I'm not sure why everyone is whining so badly about this lag. I've encountered my fair share of it, but I'm not blaming it all on Bethesda. It's a huge game, with huge save files after a considerable amount of play time. Not to mention, Bethesda has confirmed a patch that will be out quite soon that should fix the problem.
For everything considered, Skyrim is a beautiful game. One that is definitely worth every bit of time that I've put into it so far. Maybe I'm just too in love with the game, and fail to be frustrated with the lagging. But I know for a fact that this game isn't worth giving up for some lag and crashes. Even if the patch doesn't fix it completely, this game will still stay with me. Skyrim is a jewel that I plan to appreciate and play for many years to come.
The lag can be pretty bloody terrible though, and Bethesda's behaviour suggests _strongly_ that they knew about it and released anyway, without warning customers. That's pretty poor behaviour in my books. And yes, it's a big game with huge save files, but I've played plenty of big games with big save files, and Bethesda has a pretty bad record with them (apart from, strangely, Oblivion, which was very well coded on PS3).
Agree that it's worth playing dealing with the bugs to play Skyrim, but this is just another example to me of why I'll continue to advise people not to buy Bethesda games at launch, but rather 2-3 months later once they've finished patching out the serious bugs.
I know what you are saying, Gemo.
I never managed to get that pissed on Fallout 3 either for the exact same reason: I so much loved the game itself that I just adapted to the glitches and kept playing.
That said, had this only been a problem across all platforms it would have been one thing, but as far as I understand this is only happening on the ps3, and that's what makes this so annoying.
But yeah, the game still is *amazing*.
Last edited by Beamboom on 11/25/2011 11:27:15 AM
When they only send a 360 copy of the game for review to a pro-PS3 site should of raised alot of red flags. Sony should ask retailers to pull the game until its patched. That should send a big hello to Bethesda the camels back is finally broken. >.>
A red flag I should have seen. I do know that I will no longer trust reviews of a PS3 game done off a 360 disc.
Yeah in hindsight, that they nearly exclusively shipped 360 versions out for review *should* be a wakeup-call.
It was very apparent on Gamerankings, almost every rating that popped up were for the xbox version. We talk about something like 40-5 in xbox favour.
Disappointing, although it must be said that I personally has not experienced anything yet, but then again I have the habit of saving often and always circulating several savefiles, to enable me to rollback if I did something I later regret. I guess that habit is what saves me.
Last edited by Beamboom on 11/25/2011 3:40:44 AM
@Beamboom
I have a bad habit of not doing that with my saves, I usually always save over the one I have. I messed up in Oblivion acouple of times doing it like I did, but somehow in my 3rd play through of it I managed to get away with it, and beat the game without messing up.
I might start doing it that way though for Skyrim once I do get it for Christmas, hopefully everything is patched by then.
Beamboom-
I save files the same way you explained. I'm obsessed with being able
To correct a bad choice, so I save constantly as well. I have about 6 main saves I circulate through in Skyrim, I played Oblivion the same way, and DA:O, and Fallout 3, and even inFamous 1 and 2, and well you get the point.
I know, me too Big! Obsessed is the correct word to describe this. I typically got like three different saves before I'm even out of the tutorial 😀
Actually I wish there was a way to add a comment to the save files, so that I could write down a quick note to self.
On a sidenote:
I remember a while ago someone complained on how few checkpoints there are in Fallout, so he had to start on the beginning of a travel every time he died. I was like, "whaaaat??? Have you played the entire game without discovering the save function in Fallout?".
Can you believe it? Some people! Makes you kinda understand why games are being dumbed down… :/
Last edited by Beamboom on 11/26/2011 6:47:00 AM
For RPGs, I keep 1 permanent save each time I gain a level (and temporary saves in between).
They fill up my USB drive, but you never know when you might want to revert to an older save.
I've had no issues yet, but this is somewhat disappointing, if expected. Ah well I'll enjoy playing for the next 30-ish hours, so I'm cool.
I dont know, this would be one of those times id hope you played it far enough to encounter this so it can be reflected in ur reviews. I wont buy this game until its fixed. and knowing bethesda, it may not get fixed
that's the problem with massive games like fallout and elder scrolls. they are so damn big, that they are bound to have a lot of glitches
i must say that fallout 3 is the glitchiest game i have ever played. i have never had a game freeze on me as much as it did :p
Yeah Fallout 3 was my glitchiest game so far on the ps3 too. Ironically it's also one of the best games I've played. One of my absolute favourites.
Last edited by Beamboom on 11/25/2011 3:43:03 AM